Operating systems – GCSE Computer Science exam questions with mark scheme

1Grade 1–33 marks

Identify three functions of an operating system. [3]

Any three from: provides a user interface; memory management / multitasking (credit once); peripheral (device) management / drivers; user management (accounts / passwords / access rights / security); file management (naming, saving, moving, organising files into folders); allow: processor (CPU) scheduling. Do not accept names of operating systems (e.g. Windows) or of utility / application software (e.g. anti-virus) as functions(1)
Second function from the list(1)
Third function from the list(1)
Answer: e.g. user interface; memory management; file management
Examiner tip: Give the function, not an example program – 'Windows' or 'anti-virus' are not functions.

2Grade 4–54 marks

(a) Give two features of a graphical user interface (GUI). [2]

(b) A network technician uses a command-line interface instead of a GUI. Explain two reasons why. [2]

(a) Any two from: windows; icons; menus; pointer / mouse; buttons; touch gestures / touchscreen(1)
(a) Second feature from the list(1)
(b) Any two reasons, each explained, from: commands are typed directly so tasks are faster for an expert who knows them; commands can be combined into scripts to automate repeated tasks (e.g. configuring many devices); uses fewer resources (memory / processing / bandwidth) so works on low-powered or remote devices / over a remote connection; gives access to advanced settings / options not available in the GUI(1)
(b) Second explained reason from the list(1)
Answer: (a) e.g. windows, icons, menus, pointer (b) Faster / scriptable for experts; uses fewer resources / more control
Examiner tip: Explain why each reason matters to the technician – 'it is better' scores nothing.

3Grade 4–54 marks

A user has a web browser, a music player and a word processor open at the same time.

Describe how the operating system manages memory to allow this multitasking. [4]

Programs (and data) currently in use are loaded / copied into RAM (from secondary storage)(1)
The OS allocates each program its own area of memory…(1)
…and makes sure programs do not overwrite / use each other's memory space(1)
The OS moves data between RAM and virtual memory (secondary storage) when RAM is full; allow: keeps track of which areas of memory are in use / free; allow: frees / deallocates memory when a program closes. Do not credit CPU scheduling here (the question asks about memory)(1)
Answer: Loads programs into RAM, allocates separate memory to each, stops them overwriting each other, uses virtual memory when RAM is full / frees memory when a program closes
Examiner tip: Use the word 'allocates' and say programs are kept separate – that is where most of the marks are.

4Grade 6–75 marks

(a) A new printer is connected to a computer. Explain why the operating system needs a device driver for the printer. [2]

(b) Describe three tasks the operating system carries out as part of file management. [3]

(a) A driver is software that allows the OS and the hardware / printer to communicate(1)
(a) It translates the OS's instructions into commands the specific printer understands (each make / model needs different commands)(1)
(b) Any three from: naming / renaming files; organising files into folders / directories (hierarchical structure); moving / copying files; deleting files; saving / opening files; setting access rights / permissions on files(1)
(b) Second task from the list(1)
(b) Third task from the list(1)
Answer: (a) Driver translates OS instructions into commands the printer understands (b) e.g. name/rename, create folders, move/delete, set permissions
Examiner tip: 'A driver makes the printer work' is too vague – mention communication or translation between the OS and the device.

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